What Is Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess may appear as a pimple-shaped lump on the gums but can also be hidden from the naked eye, as they can develop in the tooth or in the bone that holds the tooth.

It is an accumulation of pus at the site of an infection. Pus is a whitish- yellow liquid comprised of dead leukocytes (white blood cells). It develops one or two days after a bacterial infection and grows bigger by the day.

No amount of first aid can stop its destructive existence. Only a dentist can eliminate it once and for all.

What Happens To An Untreated Dental Abscess?

The effects of a dental abscess do not end in the mouth, they spread to other parts of the body. The effects can reach the brain causing a brain abscess or meningitis. Some rare cases also lead to sepsis, Ludwig’s Angina, or septicaemia. These are life-threatening conditions that have costly treatments.

First Aid Steps

To slow down a destructive dental abscess, here’s what you can do:

Use an antiseptic mouthwash and rinse several times a day.

You can also use a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt = 8 ounces of lukewarm water), or peppermint tea.

Take OTC pain reliever in case of pain. Be mindful of the restrictions.

See your dentist immediately.

Dental Treatment for an Abscess

Getting to the bottom of the problem is necessary to treat the dental abscess; otherwise the dental abscess will simply appear again. Treatment may include:

Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment In Gold Coast

Trust your oral health to no one else. A dental emergency requires a team who is quick to attend to and provide for your needs. Your Gold Coast Dentist offers a same-day dental emergency appointment for you and your family’s dental emergency.